Hastings War Memorial Library

Photo: Peter McIntyre designed the etched glass panels and marble stone in the Hall of Memories.

The words on the stone are, "Our freedom is bought with a price that others paid. As you pass through here, remember."

"The appeal for war memorial funds languished until 1952 and much debate and controversy ensued over the form the war memorial would take. At this stage the funds for the war memorial were handed over to the Borough Council so it could obtain a government subsidy on offer by the required date. A proposed change of site was put forward due to increased costs involved in acquiring the necessary land on Civic Square, first to Queen's Square, then to Cornwall Park. A public outcry ensued as, for amongst other reasons, Civic Square had been regarded as the "memorial square" for over 30 years.

Finally at a public meeting of contributors to the fund, a resolution was reached by an overwhelming majority, for a War Memorial Library to be built on Civic Square."

From a free reading room to computerised services, the Hastings Library has evolved over many years. Our buildings have been built, fallen down (literally), moved, rebuilt and extended, to provide a much used community service in the heart of Hastings.

Photo: The old Hastings Library building in Market Street South, destroyed in the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake.